Storm Wipes Out Road: Village Cut Off

Villagers in Torcross are stranded after Storm Imogen obliterated the A379, the sole coastal road connecting them to the mainland. This vital two-mile stretch, nicknamed 'The Slapton Line,' collapsed into the sea due to 12ft waves and 60mph winds, with 200 metres completely washed away. The estimated £18 million cost to rebuild the road presents a major hurdle, as funding remains uncertain. Local businesses, such as the Start Bay Inn, face severe financial strain, with potential revenue drops of up to 50%.

Beyond the road's destruction, the storm also caused significant damage to neighbouring houses and the historic Start Bay Inn itself. Access to Torcross is now extremely limited, forcing lengthy detours on narrow country lanes for the 300,000 summer tourists. The situation has prompted concerns about access to essential services like doctors and chemists, with school bus services now in place for children. Despite past instances of the Slapton Line collapsing in 2001, 2016, and 2018, the government has not yet committed to funding its repair.

Experts warn that this event is part of an ongoing trend of coastal erosion along the south coast, exacerbated by climate change. Professor Gerd Masselink of the University of Plymouth highlights that beaches are lowering significantly, and increased flooding and erosion are anticipated. He suggests that a strategic retreat from vulnerable coastlines may be necessary, as continuous defense is becoming unsustainable. The local council's budget is dwarfed by the repair estimate, with hopes pinned on central government funding.

Despite the grim outlook, locals have proposed creative solutions, including a pontoon bridge or diverting foreign aid funds. A Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs spokesperson stated commitment to protecting coastal communities with significant investment, though the immediate fate of the A379 remains a pressing concern.